(Lexington, VA) – “It was our intention in mid-year 2012 to expand our distribution to the entire state of Virginia but our sales beat our forecast in our preliminary roll out markets by more than 60% to an annualized production rate of 10,000 barrels. Late in 2012 we purchased an additional six 120 barrel fermenters to add to our cellar and take our production capacity to 21,000. This additional capacity will allow us to complete our state wide distribution goals. As lifelong Virginians, it is with great excitement that we can now offer our award winning beers to craft beer lovers in Norfolk and Virginia Beach”, said Steve Crandall, founder of Devils Backbone Brewing Company.

Devils Backbone Brewing Company, based in Nelson County, Virginia has become one of the most award winning breweries in the United States. The phenomenal rise of this brewery in just a few short years, is unique in the craft brewing industry. The success of Devils Backbone Brewing Company can be directly related to its industry eclipsing accomplishments in creating internationally acclaimed beers. Since opening its “Basecamp Brewpub” in 2008 at the foot of Wintergreen Mountain in Nelson County and then their production facility the “Outpost” in 2012 in Lexington Virginia, the consistent quality of their beers has propelled their company into a leadership position in Virginia.

In 4 years, their prestigious collection of awards includes seventeen Great American Beer Festival medals and five World Beer Cup awards. Devils Backbone has also been recognized internationally at the 2010World Beer Cup as Champion Brewery and Small Brewpub and most recently as the Small Brewpub and Small Brew Pub Brewer of the Year at the 2012 Great American Beer Festival. Their brew master, Jason Oliver has 16 years of brewing experience and holds an international accreditation in brewing science.

“It is hard to explain how monumental these awards are in the brewing industry and they highlight the amazing good fortune and talent of our Brewers and staff at Devils Backbone Brewing Company” said Crandall. We are rolling out with our draft beer mid- February and then with our six packs in March. We look forward to meeting many of the craft beer advocates in the Norfolk and Virginia Beach areas and having our world class craft beer in bars, restaurants and retail locations throughout the region.